Disruptive dissolution: the ability to naturalize in the landscape

The word camouflage is derived from the 16th century French word camouflet, which translates as a practical joke in the form of a puff of smoke under one’s nose (Hartcup, 1980). As this early ‘definition’ suggests, it is an enigmatic and elusive subject. Although generally perceived as synthetic in form, it takes inspiration from natural processes, using a language not unfamiliar to landscape architecture. My inquiry into this subject began with an observation: the foundations of camouflage pattern are based in landscape yet; in its ubiquity all connections are lost. Can camouflage be re-situated within the discourse of landscape architecture? An intensive study of camouflage became the framework for examining visual principles in design, ultimately acting as a correlative to landscape. This thesis asserts that camouflage is an underutilized and dormant design form with clear and relevant links to the profession of landscape architecture. Through this lens, I’ve examined the history of military application and development, the contributions of visual and scientific theory, in addition to civilian camouflage in the method of fashion and design. Using design research, analytical/grounded speculation, and a study of visual theory out of which, general principles toward the nature of camouflage and its applications to landscape architecture are proposed. Using inverse reasoning and site analysis, I examined designed projects in both architecture and landscape that employ camouflage in form or function, out of which a typology developed. The typology identifies six original categories of camouflage as they pertain to the built environment. These categories are useful when considering camouflage in an expansive manner, additionally they can be guidelines when the objective is to conceal.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.L.A.

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Landscape Architecture

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2014

Author dc:creator

• Burke, Philip

Contributors dc:contributor

• Sears, Stephen M.

• landscape architecture
• landscape
• camouflage
• concealment
• mimicry
• scene analysis
• gestalt
• similarity
• dissimilarity
• congruent
• context
• Ken Smith

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2014 Philip Burke

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/50733

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/50733